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défaire

undo

verb deh-FEHR Less Common

Also means

defeat

Usage Note

Défaire is an irregular verb following the same conjugation pattern as faire. It can mean physically undoing something (like défaire sa valise, 'to unpack one's suitcase') or defeating an opponent. The reflexive se défaire de means 'to get rid of' or 'to break free from' something. The past participle défait also serves as an adjective meaning 'disheveled' or 'haggard'.

Examples

"Elle défait ses bagages après le voyage."

Natural Translation

She unpacks her luggage after the trip.

Literal Translation

She undoes her luggage after the trip.

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